Leadership Team

Chris has served on numerous nonprofit boards, committees, and task forces throughout his career, and regularly presents on matters relating to the financing of higher education, the state of legal education, and public policy matters.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Xavier University, his post-baccalaureate certificate in finance and accounting from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Chris is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Cynthia earned her bachelor’s degree in communications with emphases in journalism and speech from Ithaca College, receiving a Scripps Howard Foundation scholarship for academic excellence and professional promise in the field of journalism. Throughout her career, Cynthia also achieved the Certified Meeting Professional designation and a certification in nonprofit board management.

Debbie has served in several not-for-profit board of director roles and is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Senior Executive Group and the Forum of Executive Women. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Swarthmore College with a Bachelor of Arts with distinction in history and received her Juris Doctor from University of Pennsylvania Law School.

The primary function of the Center for Legal Education Excellence is to conduct and support research into questions pertaining to legal education and bar admission. Under Aaron’s leadership, the Center engaged in rigorous empirical inquiry into pressing issues, including conducting the first multi-institutional investigation into factors that help predict academic and bar exam performance. The Center also has launched LexPreLaw and LexPostBacc, two innovative diversity pathway initiatives designed to foster law school admission and success among aspiring students from underrepresented backgrounds. The Center has provided subject matter expertise and research support to bar admission reform efforts in California, Delaware, and South Dakota and is currently supporting a national review of legal education and bar admission led by the Conference of Chief Justices. 

Aaron has written extensively on topics commonly focused on the experiences of underrepresented people seeking entry into law school and the profession. His scholarly articles have appeared in journals published by American University, Howard University, Stanford University, and University of Notre Dame. His commentaries have appeared in numerous publications, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, Law360, and The National Jurist, which named Aaron sixth on its 2024 list of The 20 Most Influential People in Legal Education. He is also a frequent media commentator on education and diversity issues.

Aaron received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina A&T State University, a Juris Doctor from Howard University, and a doctorate in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard University Administrative Fellowship Program.

Prior to joining AccessLex, James worked at numerous Fortune 500 companies providing excellence in operations, technology, and security. He has held positions with DuPont, Accenture, Aveva, and United Van Lines. His career spans successful projects in domestic and international markets.

James received a Bachelor of Science in Business, Information Technology Management from Western Governors University. He holds certifications in multiple enterprise technologies, including cybersecurity, and is a member of the Society for Information Management.

Sam has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Albright College. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Pennsylvania and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Prior to joining AccessLex, David served as Managing Director of Evolution Capital, where he was a co-portfolio manager for the firm’s investment strategies. His prior experience includes portfolio management positions with StoneRidge Investment Partners, Emerald Advisors, and Advent Capital Management. David was also a manager with Ernst & Young Management Consulting’s financial advisory practice.

David has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Evneet earned her Bachelor of Science from Delhi University, India and Chartered Leadership Fellow (CLF)^® designation from The American College of Financial Services. She also achieved Thrive Leadership Women of Influence program certification with emphases on executive leadership skills.

Tiffane previously served as a Research Analyst and Director of Research at AccessLex before assuming her current role. Prior to joining the Company, she worked as a research and policy analyst in the Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment at the University of Maryland, College Park and as a management consultant with the Monitor Group (now Monitor Deloitte). Tiffane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership and Policy Studies with a concentration in higher education from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Valerie has been certified through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as a Senior Professional in Human Resources since 2018, has earned their Talent Acquisition credential, and recently became a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) through the Institute for Diversity Certification.

Lyssa has a B.S. in Mathematics Education and Computer Science (Rocky Mountain College), an M.A. in Organizational Leadership (Gonzaga University), a Ph.D. in Sociology (Washington State University), and she recently achieved her Sales Growth Certificate from Cornell University. She is also an Accredited Financial Counselor^®.

Jennifer has dedicated the past 25 years to serving the higher education community. Prior to joining AccessLex in 2016, she worked for American Student Assistance, a national nonprofit, and held positions in financial aid and student affairs at Tulane University and Boston College. 

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics from Lafayette College and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Boston College. She is also an Accredited Financial Counselor^®.